Top 10 Affordable Cars Arriving by 2026

Is it still a car if you can’t drive it? The new Tesla Cybercab is making waves with its surprising debut. Tesla is so invested in this vehicle that it's scrapping plans for a sub-$30,000 EV to focus on the fully autonomous Cybercab, which they say will revolutionise public transport at a similar price point. With its sleek, minimalist design and eye-catching gullwing doors, it’s definitely a standout. Packed with cameras and sensors, the Cybercab is designed to navigate busy city streets (fingers crossed). Elon Musk even teased that owners could rent out their cars when not in use for a little extra cash. Tesla claims the Cybercab will hit roads in 2026, though the company is no stranger to delays.

The new Renault 5 E-Tech brings back a classic model with a modern twist. The design nails the retro vibe of the original 5 while staying fresh and contemporary. Inside, it’s just as cool, with fun materials and textures that give it a unique feel. Plus, it offers up to 249 miles of range and will be priced under £25,000 when it hits showrooms early next year.

If you're looking for a budget-friendly electric car with serious cuteness, the Renault Twingo is it. A modern take on the 90s classic, this little EV is all about nostalgia (seems like Renault's design team is feeling a bit sentimental). It’s expected to cost under £17,000 when it launches, though it probably won’t hit the roads until 2026. With its adorable design and solid efficiency, it’s sure to make a splash—though we’re still not sure if it’ll be available in the UK.

An electric version of one of the UK’s best-selling cars? That’s a smart move to make EVs more accessible. The new Puma Gen-E is basically the same as the regular Puma, just with an electric powertrain, which keeps the starting price under £30,000. The design tweaks are subtle, with a blanked-off grille and some stylish alloy wheels to give it away as an EV. Plus, it still has the ‘Megabox,’ that massive storage compartment under the boot floor that makes the petrol Puma so practical.

Say hello to the new Fiat Grande Panda, a fresh take on the iconic 80s Italian hatchback. It keeps the classic boxy shape but looks way more modern with LED lights and bold colours. Under the hood, it’ll share parts with the Citroen C3 and E-C3, offering a mix of petrol, hybrid, and all-electric options. Prices are expected to start around £22,000.

The Dacia Bigster is one of the most anticipated cars of 2025, topping Carwow’s news traffic for 2024 and earning the title of ‘most anticipated new car’ in the Carwow Car of the Year awards. As the name suggests, it’s a larger SUV that’ll sit above the Duster, with a similar look and engine options, plus an all-new hybrid system. The interior shares some design elements with the Duster, and there’s even an all-wheel-drive version available. The Bigster hits the market in 2025, with prices starting under £30,000.

Volkswagen is gearing up to launch an all-electric replacement for the Golf, and it’s expected to start at under £22,000. The ID. 2all will also inspire affordable electric models from Skoda and Cupra, but more on those later. This Volkswagen will have a single 226hp motor driving the front wheels, with a range of up to 280 miles. Plus, there’ll be a sportier GTI version with extra power and a more aggressive design.

The new Skoda Epiq will be the third electric car in the brand’s lineup, joining the Enyaq and Elroq, and is likely to share parts with the VW ID. 2all. That means it’ll feature a 226hp motor powering the front wheels. This stylish mini-SUV is expected to offer up to 248 miles of range, pretty close to the VW’s 280 miles. While exact prices aren’t confirmed yet, Skoda is aiming for it to cost around £21,000 when it hits the market next year.

Next up is the Cupra Raval, which will probably share parts with the VW ID. 2all. But unlike the Skoda or Volkswagen versions, the Raval definitely stands out with a sportier, more aggressive look—true to Cupra’s style. Like its counterparts, the Raval runs on a single front motor, but it delivers 234hp. It’s also expected to have a similar range to the VW, around 280 miles, with prices starting well under £30,000.

The new Citroen C3 has already made a splash, winning Auto Express Car of the Year for its unbeatable value. Now, there’s a seven-seater version coming called the C3 Aircross. It keeps the C3’s quirky styling and interior, just stretched out a bit to fit two extra seats in the back. You’ll be able to pick from petrol, hybrid, and all-electric options, with prices starting around £25,000.